Blade with removable working surfaces and methods of making and using

ABSTRACT

Tools are described having removable working elements, include saws having removable cutting elements. Interface geometries on one or more of a core structure and removable elements may be simple or complex geometries. Securement elements releasably hold the removable elements in place.

BACKGROUND Field

This relates to tools for working on workpieces, for example cuttingtools for cutting workpieces, and by further example, circular sawblades for cutting wood or concrete, and such tools having removablecutting components.

SUMMARY

Methods and apparatus are disclosed that may improve the lifetime of oneor more components used with working tools, for example cores for and/orcomponents used with cutting tools. Cutting tools using replaceablecomponents, for example circular saw blades for which cutting componentscan be interchangeable, replaced or removed, allows continued use of thecutting tool without having to replace the complete tool when a partwears out or breaks. Interchangeable or replaceable components alsoallow more flexibility in using the tool, and also may reduce the numberof different tools that an operator may want to have on hand.

In one example of a cutting tool having removable components, the toolincludes a core having an interface geometry over a span or length ofall or part of the tool for receiving one or more removable components.The interface geometry may take a number of configurations, and in oneexample, a component for the tool has a complementary geometry that fitsthe interface geometry so that the tool and the component fit together.In the examples of tools described herein, the component can bereleasably secured to the tool. When the tool and the componentsubstantially fit together, the respective interface geometries for thetool and the component would be considered substantially complimentary.For example, the core and the removable component are inter-engageableso that the component can be secured on the tool for normal operation.The component can be releasably secured on the tool so that thecomponent can be removed if it becomes worn, broken, or if the operatorwants to change the configuration of the tool, or for other reasons. Asused herein, “span” can be linear or arcuate or otherwise nonlinear, andan interface geometry extends over a span. Part of an interface geometryextends over a sub-span.

In a further example of a cutting tool having removable components for acore having an interface geometry over a span or length of all or partof the tool, the interface geometry may be repeated along or about thetool so that a plurality of components can be mounted on the tool foroperation. In the examples of tools described herein, the interfacegeometry repeats over the perimeter of the tool. In an example of acircular saw blade, the interface geometry can be repeated an integernumber of times, for example so that a given component can be placed onor engaged with the interface geometry at any one of the integer numberof locations. Additional identical or even different components can beplaced at the remaining locations to form the tool. In one example, theinteger is an even number, but can also be odd.

In another example of a cutting tool having removable components for acore having an Interface Geometry over a span or a length of all or partof the tool, the interface geometry may take a number of forms. In oneexample, the interface geometry may be straight or may be curved or maybe circular, for example a circular perimeter portion on a circular sawblade, or a straight portion on a straight saw blade. In anotherexample, the interface geometry may be a uniform or repeating geometry,for example a saw tooth, sinusoid, crenellated, or other simplerepeating waveform. In a further example, the interface geometry may bemore complex with repeating or non-repeating form or forms in theinterface geometry, and the forms may be reversible beginning to end ornon-reversible, symmetric or asymmetric about a midpoint between thebeginning and the end. While it is possible that the entire core has acomplete interface geometry that is non-repeating, a core having aninterface geometry that repeats at least once allows identicalcomponents to be placed across respective portions of the core, wherethe interface geometry repeats. In the example of a circular saw blade,for example, the interface geometry may be present in an odd number oftimes (once and repeated an even number of times) to reduce thepossibility of generating harmonics or other vibrations. In anotherconfiguration, for example in a circular saw blade, one interfacegeometry in a span is not diametrically opposite another interfacegeometry in its span.

In an example of a cutting tool having removable components for a corehaving an interface geometry over a span or length of all or part of thetool, the interface geometry and a component for the tool has an exactlycomplementary geometry that fits the interface geometry substantiallyprecisely. Such a complementary fit can maximize the drive applied tothe component by the core, and reliably distributes load from thecomponent to the core. Alternatively, the complementary fit can be lessthan 100% and still provide an acceptable support for some applications.For example, less than 100% complementary fit may occur when there aregaps between adjacent surfaces of the core and the component.

In a further example of a cutting tool having removable components for acore having an interface geometry over a span or length of all or partof the tool, the core interface geometry and a geometry of acomplementary component will match. In one example, the core interfacegeometry will be defined as desired, and the geometry of the componentwill be selected so as to provide the desired complementary fit. Inanother example, the core interface geometry and the geometry of thecomponent can be reversed, so the geometry that would otherwise havebeen configured to be placed on the core as the interface geometry isincorporated into the component, and vice versa. In one example, aninterface geometry can be configured or designed for the component, andthe complementary configuration can be incorporated into the core toprovide the desired fit. In any of the descriptions herein of aninterface geometry, in the context of a core, the same interfacegeometry can be incorporated into the component, and the complementincorporated into the core, and vice versa.

In one example of an interface geometry described herein, the interfacegeometry includes at least one solid geometry having a plurality ofsurface geometries wherein at least three surface geometries in theplurality of surface geometries on a solid geometry are parallel to eachother. When the interface geometry is arcuate or nonlinear, such as fora removable arcuate component or for a circular cutting tool, at leasttwo of the at least three surface geometries are non-radial (though thethree surface geometries may be linear), and three of the at least threesurface geometries can be non-radial (or more or all of them when thereare more than three surface geometries), depending on the interfacegeometry. In one configuration, two, and in other configurations three,of the at least three surface geometries that are parallel are alsonon-colinear and non-coplanar. In another configuration, the at leastone solid geometry has a plurality of surface geometries some of whichare straight and some of which are curved and/or angled. For example,straight surface geometries may extend parallel to each other whilecurved and/or angled surface geometries may be nonparallel,non-collinear and non-coplanar with the straight surface geometries. Ina further configuration of an interface geometry, the interface geometrymay include a plurality of solid geometries wherein one or more of theplurality of solid geometries are different from at least one other ofthe solid geometries in the plurality of solid geometries. For example,a first solid geometry in the interface geometry may include a firstarrangement of surface geometries, and a second solid geometry in theinterface geometry may include a second arrangement of surfacegeometries different from the first. The first and second arrangementsof surface geometries may be different in terms of the types of surfacegeometries, the number of surface geometries, the relative spatialarrangement of the surface geometries, or otherwise. In one example, forexample on a removable component, an interface geometry may include foursolid geometries wherein each of the four solid geometries have outsideor lateral surface geometries parallel to each other, and where adjacentsolid geometries have facing surface geometries parallel to each other.In a further example, for example on a removable component, an interfacegeometry having four solid geometries may also include respectiveboundary solid geometries, wherein each boundary solid geometry has atleast one surface geometry parallel to surface geometries on other solidgeometries in the interface geometry.

An interface geometry includes one or more solid geometries and mayfurther include one or more surface geometries, though solid geometriesmay be configured to be combined to define an entire interface geometry.A given solid geometry includes a plurality of surface geometries. Asdescribed herein, a given solid geometry will generally have a sideprofile (as viewed from a side of the component) of a given geometrywith lateral or side surfaces that are generally flat or planar in anexample where the component is used in a circular saw blade, forexample. However, in other applications, the lateral or side surfacescan be other than flat or planar.

In a further example of an interface geometry described herein, theinterface geometry includes a plurality of solid geometries wherein atleast one surface of each of the solid geometries in the plurality ofsolid geometries is parallel to at least one surface in another of thesolid geometries. In one example of a plurality of solid geometrieswherein at least one surface of each of the solid geometries in theplurality of solid geometries is parallel to at least one surface inanother of the solid geometries, there are at least three surfaces thatare parallel to one another, and the at least three surfaces are on atleast two solid geometries in the plurality. In one configuration in theimmediately foregoing example, two of the parallel surfaces may be onthe same solid geometry and the third on a second solid geometry. Inanother example, the parallel surfaces extend outward from the core. Inanother example, the parallel surfaces are on respective geometriesadjacent to each other, for example on the same solid geometry or onseparate solid geometries. In a further example, the parallel surfacesare on respective solid geometries (for example solid geometries of thecore) separated by at least one additional solid geometry. In anotherexample, the respective geometries on which the parallel surfaces occurrepeat within a defined span or length of all or part of the core. Inone configuration, the respective geometries on which the parallelsurfaces occur include linearly-extending solid geometries, for examplefingers or linear tabs, extending parallel to each other and away from abaseline or reference. There may be more than two linearly-extendingsolid geometries having parallel surfaces within a given defined span orlength of all or part of the core. In one example, a given span orlength of all or part of the core includes five such linearly-extendingsolid geometries. In another example of an interface geometry describedherein, for a circular blade, one or more solid geometries having atleast one parallel surface has the at least one parallel surface on aleading edge of the geometry, where the leading edge is the edge leadingin the direction of rotation of the circular blade. A further examplefor a circular blade has a plurality or all of the leading edges on thesolid geometries parallel to each other in the interface geometry.Parallel surfaces on solid geometries and parallel linearly-extendingsolid geometries (for example fingers or linear tabs) help to reliablyreceive, support and absorb loading from arcuate components extendingover the span of the core. Interface geometries in any of the examplesdescribed herein may repeat, as desired.

In another example of an interface geometry described herein, a spancontains non-repeating geometries spanning an arc or length, and atleast two geometries point or are directed in the same direction, andhave at least one respective surface parallel to the other. In oneconfiguration, the at least two geometries point or are directed outwardof the core. In an example of a circular saw blade, two geometries maybe extending in the same or similar directions and make different anglesto respective radii intersecting the geometries. Put another way, twosolid geometries may be extending in the same or similar directions andmake different angles to a common baseline or reference to which therespective solid geometries are closest.

In a further example of an interface geometry described herein, theinterface geometry includes a plurality of solid geometries wherein atleast one surface of each of the solid geometries in the plurality ofsolid geometries is parallel to the at least one surface in another ofthe solid geometries, and the related solid geometries include bothstraight and curved surfaces in the profiles. In one example, respectivesurfaces in each of the related solid geometries are straight andparallel to each other, and other respective surfaces in each follow acurve. In a further example, the related solid geometries havefin-shapes, for example with a convex surface and a straight and/or aconcave surface.

In another example of an interface geometry described herein, differentsolid geometries can be combined to form the desired interface geometryalong a span or length of all or part of the core. For example, solidgeometry forms can be mixed. In one configuration, an interface geometryin a span or length can include such solid geometries as fingers andfins arranged among each other, alternating one to the other, or inother combinations. In a further configuration, two or more of the solidgeometries within a span can have respective surfaces parallel to eachother. In any of the interface geometries described herein, an interfacegeometry can be defined for a span or a length, and then repeated overall or less than the entire span or length of the core as desired.

In an additional example of an interface geometry for a span or lengthof all or part of a core, a plurality of solid geometries form aperimeter profile over the span, and at least two different geometriesforming part of the perimeter profile within a sub-span or portion ofthe span results in a combined geometry. In one configuration, thecombined geometry is not repeated over the span. In anotherconfiguration, the combined geometry includes a first solid geometrythat is repeated, but without repeating the combined geometry within thespan. In a configuration where a first solid geometry of a combinedgeometry is repeated, the repeated solid geometries can be adjacent eachother, or separated by another solid geometry. Additionally, theinterface geometry defined by the span or the length can be repeated,wherein the solid geometries within the interface geometry have thedescribed characteristics.

In any of the examples described herein, a span or length of all or partof a core for which an interface geometry is defined can correspond to asingle working element, such as a cutting element, for example a carbidetip or diamond segment, or to a plurality of working elements. Where aspan or length of all or part of a core supports a plurality of workingelements, a complete tool can be assembled with fewer piece parts, orwith a smaller number of total components. In the example of a circularsaw blade, the greater the span corresponding to the interface geometry,the more it is desired to ensure that the complementary component fitseasily and well to the interface geometry on the core. An arcuate spanover a significant length makes it more difficult to interfacecomponents due to curvature of the core.

In another example of a cutting tool, the tool includes a core having anopening, for example a center opening, for mounting the tool on a drivesystem, for example a saw, for supporting and driving the tool. The coremay include a circular opening for receiving and in which is fixed aspline drive insert. The insert may have a profile conforming to anexternal profile of a drive element on the saw. In one configuration,the profile is a consistently or repeating varying curve, such as asinusoid, extending completely around the opening. The insert can besecured in the opening of the core by, for example, rivets, removablefasteners, such as bolts, or other means. In another configuration, theinsert can be formed as a fixed and secured base fixed in the core andremovable sections removably secured in the base to allow the sectionsto be interchangeable, replaced or removed if they become damaged orworn. The sections can be secured in place in ways similar to thosedescribed herein with respect to the carrier, for example withreleasable locking elements, fasteners, latches or other releasablesecurements.

A core can be used with any of the additional components describedherein, and take a number of configurations. A core can be formed from asingle sheet of material and carriers mounted thereon for working aworkpiece. Alternatively, and as described herein, the core can beformed from a plurality of lamina of the desired material anddimensions. The lamina can be formed such as by stamping, cutting, lasercutting or similar methods and secured together with one or more ofadhesive, fasteners such as rivets or bolts, spot welding, laser weldingand the like. An insert can be sandwiched in the core opening betweenlamina, and secured either permanently or releasably. Strengtheningmembers, for example rods, fibers, or other members can also besandwiched between the lamina to strengthen the core. A perimeterportion of the core can be secured together as desired, for example byone or more of adhesive, rivets, fasteners and/or welding.

The cores described herein can include securement elements to help insecuring carriers at one or more areas along the perimeter of the core.The securement elements can be sandwiched between lamina in the core, orotherwise attached or supported by the core. In one configuration, thesecurement elements are sandwiched between outer lamina. In anotherconfiguration, the securement elements are between lamina and areaccessible through respective openings in the lamina. The lamina can besecured in the area of the securement elements by one or more ofadhesive, fasteners such as rivets or bolts, spot welding, laser weldingor the like. In one example, the securement elements are pivotablebetween locked or latched positions and unlocked or unlatched positions.The securement elements can have symmetric or asymmetric profiles orshapes, can include eccentricities for engaging adjacent surfaces, forexample to secure carriers in place, and/or can include camming or otherbearing surfaces for positioning adjacent structures in a desiredlocation. The securement elements can be used to releasably securecarriers on the core.

The cores described herein can include a center core sandwiched betweenadjacent laminar layers. The laminar layers can be substantiallycircular in outer perimeter profile, or can take any number of perimeterprofiles to provide the desired results. In one configuration, thecenter core has a center opening for receiving an insert for supportingthe assembly on a drive element, for example a saw or grinder, and anouter perimeter having the desired interface geometry, for exampleinterface geometries as described herein. In one configuration, theouter portions of the laminar layers extend at least partly orcompletely beyond the outer perimeter of the center core, therebyproviding a cavity area or areas around the perimeter of the assemblybetween the laminar layers and outward of the center core perimetersurface. The cavity area or areas between layers can be configured toreceive carriers around the outer perimeter of the core to form theworking portion of the tool. The cavity area between layers would allowthe outer perimeter portions of the laminar layers to sandwich portionsof the carriers between them, and a remainder of the carrier wouldextend outward of the core for operating on a workpiece. Laminar layersand any center core may have edge or perimeter surfaces that extend in adirection substantially normal to the planar surfaces of the layer, suchas may be formed by laser or water jet cutting. The edge or perimetersurfaces extend from one laminar surface to the opposite laminarsurface.

Cutting components, for example for use with cutting tools as describedherein, can take a number of configurations. Cutting components can beused on any of the tool configurations described herein, and may befixed or removable relative to a core, for example. A removablecomponent may have an interface geometry over a span or length for beingsupported on or engaging with a core, for example, or other supportstructure. One portion of the removable component forms a workingportion, and another portion of the removable component forms a supportstructure for the working portion and for engaging or otherwise beingsupported by a core. The interface geometry for the removable componentmay take a number of configurations, including any of those describedherein, and in one example, has a complementary geometry to the tool sothat the tool and the removable component can fit together. In anotherexample, the interface geometry for the removable component fits but isnot 100% coincident or complementary to the geometry of the core.

In one example, the interface geometry of the removable component may bestraight, arcuate, polygonal, or complex. In some configurations, theinterface geometry may be a uniform or repeating geometry, such as asawtooth, sinusoid, square wave, or other simple repeating waveform. Inanother example, the interface geometry may be more complex withrepeating or non-repeating form or forms, and the forms may bereversible beginning to end, or non-reversible, symmetric or asymmetricabout a midpoint between the beginning and the end.

In an example of an interface geometry for a removable component for atool, for example a cutting blade, the interface geometry includes aplurality of solid geometries wherein at least one surface of at leastone of the solid geometries in the plurality of solid geometries isparallel to at least one surface in another of the solid geometries, andnon-colinear and/or non-coplanar. In one example, the parallel surfacesform walls of cavities extending into an interior of the interfacegeometry or of a profile of the removable component. For example, thecavities can be straight-walled pockets wherein the pockets extendparallel to each other and separate respective solid geometries. Inanother example, there may be parallel surfaces on respective solidgeometries adjacent to each other. In a further example, such parallelsurfaces can be on respective solid geometries separated by at least oneadditional solid geometry. In a further configuration, the respectivesolid geometries on which parallel surfaces occur will repeat within adefined span or length of the removable component, while in otherconfigurations, respective solid geometries on which parallel surfacesoccur will not repeat within a defined span or length of the removablecomponent. In one example, the respective solid geometries on which theparallel surfaces occur include linearly-extending surface geometries,for example straight-walled cuts extending parallel to each other intoor along a surface of the removable component. More than twolinearly-extending solid geometries having parallel surfaces can occurwithin one component.

In another example of an interface geometry for a removable componentfor a tool, for example a cutting blade, the interface geometry includesat least one solid geometry having a plurality of surface geometrieswherein at least three surface geometries in the plurality of surfacegeometries on a solid geometry are parallel to each other. Where theremovable component is for a circular tool, at least two of the at leastthree surface geometries are non-radial but maybe linear, and wherethere are more than three surface geometries in the interface geometry,wall or fewer than all of the surface geometries can be parallel to eachother and extend non-radially relative to a reference point of thecircular tool. One or more of the surface geometries may also benon-collinear and non-coplanar. In another configuration, at least onesolid geometry in an interface geometry has a plurality of surfacegeometries, some of which are straight and some of which are curved andor angled. Straight surface geometries may extend parallel to each otherwhile curved and/or angled surface geometries may be nonparallel,noncollinear and non-coplanar with the straight surface geometries. Inanother configuration of an interface geometry for a removablecomponent, the interface geometry may include a plurality of solidgeometries wherein one or more of the plurality of solid geometries aredifferent from at least one other of the solid geometries in theplurality of solid geometries. A solid geometry may include side orlateral surfaces defining surface geometries that are parallel to eachother, and such surface geometries may also be parallel to the adjacentsurface geometries on respective adjacent solid geometries. Adjacentsolid geometries and their facing surface geometries may define cavitiescomplementary to surface geometries on the tool on which the removablecomponent is used.

In another example of an interface geometry for a removable component,the removable component includes non-repeating solid geometries along aspan or length of all or part of the component. At least two geometrieson the component point or are directed in the same direction, and haveat least one respective surface parallel to another surface on ageometry. In one configuration, the at least two geometries point or aredirected inward toward the interior of the removable component, and maybe defined by one or more solid geometries.

In a further example of an interface geometry for a removable component,the interface geometry includes a plurality of solid geometries whereinat least one surface of each of the solid geometries in the plurality ofsolid geometries is parallel to at least one surface in another of thesolid geometries. In one configuration, the related geometries includeboth straight and curved surfaces in profiles of the interface geometry.In one configuration, respective surfaces in each of the relatedgeometries are straight and parallel to each other, and other respectivesurfaces in each follow a curve. In another configuration, the relatedgeometries have fin-shapes.

In an additional example of an interface geometry for a removablecomponent, different geometries can be combined to form a desiredinterface geometry along a surface of the removable component. Forexample, solid geometry forms can be mixed. In one configuration, aninterface geometry can include solid geometries defining fingers or finsarranged among each other, alternating one to the other, or in othercombinations. In a further configuration, two or more of the solidgeometries on the removable component can have respective surfacesparallel to each other. In any of the interface geometries describedherein usable on a removable component, the interface geometry can becomplementary to all or a portion of a geometry on a supporting tool.

In another example of an interface geometry for a removable component,the interface geometry includes a plurality of geometries to form aperimeter profile over a portion of the removable component. In oneconfiguration, at least two different geometries form part of theprofile, or sub-profile, producing a combined geometry. In oneconfiguration, the combined geometry is not repeated across theremovable component. In a further configuration, the combined geometryincludes a first geometry that is repeated, but without repeating thecombined geometry on the removable component. In a configuration where afirst geometry of a combined geometry is repeated, the repeatedgeometries can be adjacent each other, or separated by another geometry.Repeated geometries allow a carrier to be placed on any portion of thecore on which it fits, for example more than one location.

In any of the examples described herein of a removable component, theremovable component can include a single working element, such as acutting tip or cutting segments, or it can include multiple workingelements. Where the removable component includes a plurality of workingelements, the removable component can provide a larger percentage of aneffective working surface than one containing a smaller or fewer workingelements.

In any of the examples described herein of removable components havingan interface geometry or of a core having an interface geometry forsupporting a removable component, the interface geometry may include oneor more engagement surfaces for use in helping to lock or secure theremovable component and a supporting structure relative to each other,for example the core of a cutting tool such as the saw blade. Theengagement surfaces may be cavities, cam surfaces, inter-engagements, orthe like. In one configuration, the engagement surfaces arecomplementary to the adjacent surfaces of a securement structure on thetool used to secure the removable component on the tool.

In any of the examples described herein of removable components, theremovable component can include the interface geometry formed on aportion of the component that fits within or interior to a portion of acore. The interface geometry can be formed on a thinner portion of theremovable component, and the working portion of the removable component,for example that having cutting segments or tips, may be thicker, wideror structurally more robust for strength and durability.

These and other examples are set forth more fully below in conjunctionwith drawings, a brief description of which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary working tool, in the presentexample a circular saw blade.

FIG. 1A is a partial transverse cross-section of part of a perimeterportion of the blade of FIG. 1 taken at 1A-1A.

FIG. 1B is a partial transverse cross-section of part of an interiorportion of the blade of FIG. 1 taken at 1B-1B.

FIG. 2 is a detail of part of the blade of FIG. 1 taken at “2”.

FIG. 3 is an isometric and exploded view of the blade of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of part of the blade of FIG. 1 with a laminarelement removed so that a core and cutting elements are visible and witha cutting element separated from the blade.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the blade of FIG. 4 showing aportion of the blade core and a securement element.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a portion of the blade in FIG. 4 showing asecurement element engaged with a cutting element through a carrier forthe cutting element.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary center core for use with the bladeof FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a detail view of a portion of the center core shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the center core of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a center insert element for the blade of FIG.1.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the insert of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the insert of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an upper isometric view of a securement element for the bladeof FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the securement element of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the securement element of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a rear isometric view of a removable cutting element of theblade of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a front isometric view of the cutting element of FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17 and 17A are plan views of the cutting element of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an end elevation view of the cutting element of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a detailed plan view of a portion of the cutting element ofFIG. 17 taken at “19”.

FIG. 20 is a transverse section of the cutting element of FIG. 17 takenalong line 20-20 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a transverse section of the cutting element of FIG. 17 takenalong line 21-21 of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This specification taken in conjunction with the drawings sets forthexamples of apparatus and methods incorporating one or more aspects ofthe present inventions in such a manner that any person skilled in theart can make and use the inventions. The examples provide the best modescontemplated for carrying out the inventions, although it should beunderstood that various modifications can be accomplished within theparameters of the present inventions.

Examples of tools and of methods of making and using the tools aredescribed. Depending on what feature or features are incorporated in agiven structure or a given method, benefits can be achieved in thestructure or the method. For example, larger tools may achieve longerlifetime and provide greater ease of use.

In some configurations of cutting tools, improvements can be achievedalso in assembly, and in some configurations, a relatively small numberof support structures can be used to provide a larger number ofconfigurations of cutting tools. For example, in a circular saw blade,one or a few core configurations can be used to produce a number of sawblades having a larger number of final configurations.

These and other benefits will become more apparent with consideration ofthe description of the examples herein. However, it should be understoodthat not all of the benefits or features discussed with respect to aparticular example must be incorporated into a tool, component or methodin order to achieve one or more benefits contemplated by these examples.Additionally, it should be understood that features of the examples canbe incorporated into a tool, component or method to achieve some measureof a given benefit even though the benefit may not be optimal comparedto other possible configurations. For example, one or more benefits maynot be optimized for a given configuration in order to achieve costreductions, efficiencies or for other reasons known to the personsettling on a particular product configuration or method.

Examples of a number of tool configurations and of methods of making andusing the tools are described herein, and some have particular benefitsin being used together. However, even though these apparatus and methodsare considered together at this point, there is no requirement that theybe combined, used together, or that one component or method be used withany other component or method, or combination. Additionally, it will beunderstood that a given component or method could be combined with otherstructures or methods not expressly discussed herein while stillachieving desirable results.

Saw blades are used as examples of a tool that can incorporate one ormore of the features and derive some of the benefits described herein,and in particular wood or concrete saw blades. Tools other than wood andconcrete cutting blades and equipment other than saws can benefit fromone or more of the present inventions.

It should be understood that terminology used for orientation, such asfront, rear, side, left and right, upper and lower, and the like, areused herein merely for ease of understanding and reference, and are notused as exclusive terms for the structures being described andillustrated.

As used herein, “substantially” shall mean the designated parameter orconfiguration, plus or minus 10%. However, it should be understood thatterminology used for orientation or relative position, such as front,rear, side, left and right, upper and lower, and the like, may be usedin the Detailed Description for ease of understanding and reference, andmay not be used as exclusive terms for the structures being describedand illustrated.

Cutting tools and methods of assembling and using cutting tools aredescribed herein as examples of tools for working on workpieces andwherein the cutting tools are particularly well-suited for usingremovable components, for example removable cutting components. Theexamples described will be related to circular saw blades, includingwood blades such as that may use carbide cutting tips as the workingcomponent. However, it is understood that other tool configurations thancircular blades, and other working configurations other than carbidecutting components can be used. One or more of the examples describedherein can make it easier for operators to set up the desired cuttingconfiguration, and inspect, maintain and repair the cuttingconfiguration as desired.

In one example of a cutting tool (FIGS. 1-21), a circular saw blade 100(FIGS. 1-4) includes a drive and support portion or hub 102, a coreportion 104 and a working portion 106. Each of these elements of thecutting tool can take a number of configurations, but the presentexample will be described in the context of a wood blade. In theillustrated configuration, the hub 102 is formed by a circular opening108 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 7) in the core 104 into which is placed and secureda hub insert 110 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 9-11). In other examples, the hub canbe formed from a smaller opening than that shown in FIG. 1, can be otherthan circular, can have a different geometry for the insert 110, or canomit the insert entirely. The use of blade flanges on some saws cansimplify the hub structure on a blade.

The core 104 (FIGS. 1 and 3) is a laminar structure including a firstlaminar layer 112 on an outside of the core, a second laminar structure114 on an outside of the core on a side opposite the first laminarlayer, and a center core 116. The core 104 can be formed from a singlepiece of material, two lamina, three lamina as shown in FIG. 3, or morelayers, as desired. The makeup of the core may depend on the applicationfor the core, the core diameter, the operating speed, and/or otherconsiderations. In the present example, the first and second laminarlayers are relatively thin and sandwich the center core 116 andassociated components between them. The first and second layers areformed from thin metal sheets, for example stainless steel, and help toprotect the center core and its associated components. Each of the firstand second layers include respective center openings 118 and 120, andrespective circular outer perimeters 122 and 124. The outer perimeters122 and 124 substantially define the outer extent of the core, and asindicated below, outer portions of the core between the first and secondlayers form a cavity or groove into which the removable cuttingelements/components can be inserted and secured.

Each of the first and second layers include fastening or othersecurement openings 126 and 128, respectively (FIG. 3), each one to bealigned with a corresponding opening in the opposite layer. The openingsreceive fasteners, such as rivets 130 (FIGS. 1 and 1B). The rivets andthe openings secure the hub insert 110 through corresponding openings inthe hub insert. An odd number of rivets and corresponding openings areused to reduce the possibility of resonance or other forms of vibration.The rivets 130 and the openings secure the internal or interior portionof the core 104. Adhesives (not shown) may also be used to secure or fixthe layers together, with or without fasteners or other securement.

Each of the first and second outer laminar layers are substantiallyuniform in thickness and surface configuration between the inner portionadjacent the hub 102 and the outer portion adjacent the working portion106. Adhesive can be used on each of the laminar layers to secure thoselayers to the adjacent surface, for example to the center core 116.Fasteners can also be used, or instead of adhesive.

Each of the first and second layers include fastening or othersecurement openings 132 and 134, respectively (FIG. 3), each one to bealigned with a corresponding opening in the opposite layer. The openingsreceive fasteners, such as rivets 136 (FIGS. 1 and 1A). The rivets andthe openings secure the outer layers and the center core in the area ofthe perimeter of the blade through corresponding openings in the centercore. In the present example, the number and positioning of the rivets136 correspond to linear extensions or fingers (described more fullybelow) in the center core 104. Adhesive (not shown) may also be used tosecure or fix the layers together, with or without fasteners or othersecurement, at the perimeter portion of the core, and interior thereto.Alignment of one set of fastener openings is represented at 136A in FIG.3. The core can be secured together with other arrangements of fastenersand openings, adhesive, welds or other securement.

The perimeter portion of each of the laminar layers 112 and 114 alsoinclude openings 138 and 140, respectively, formed adjacent therespective perimeter surfaces 142 and 144. In the present example, theopenings 138 and 140 are circular, extending completely through thethickness of each layer. The openings 138 and 140 help to capture andposition securement elements, for example locking elements 146 describedmore fully below. The securement elements help to position and securecorresponding removable working components, such as the components ofworking portion 106. The securement elements 146 are secured in theirradial and axial positions relative to the blade by being sandwichedbetween the first and second outer laminar layers and positioned intheir respective openings, while still being permitted to pivot orrotate, as desired. In the present examples, the securement elements 146pivot within their respective openings.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-6, each securement element, such as lockingelement 146, has a rivet 136 or other fastening element closelyadjacent. The closely adjacent rivets help to support the securementelements and the lamination about the securement elements. Theyaccommodate loading that might be experienced in the area of thesecurement elements arising from impact against the cutting tips.Adhesive also helps to secure the lamination and absorb loading fromimpact against the cutting tips.

One or both of the outer layers 112 and 114 can include indicatorsuseful for the operator. In one example, indicators 148 (FIGS. 1 and 3)are formed on, in or through one or more of the laminar sheets atvarious positions around a perimeter portion of the corresponding layer.In the present example, the indicators 148 are arranged in pairs, tocorrespond with a corresponding working element. The indicators 148 havethe form of arrows or darts pointing outward, to be aligned withcorresponding arrows or darts on a working element (FIGS. 15-17). Theindicators 148 help to align the working element with a proper positionon the perimeter of the core, for example where the core and workingelements have respective interface geometries fitting a particularpattern, misalignment for which might prevent proper assembly/engagementor the most desirable assembly/engagement. Other configurations ofindicators can be used, and size, position and/or orientation.

One or more of the outer layers may also include a direction or spinindicator 150 (FIGS. 1 and 3). The indicator 150 is used to properlymount the blade on the drive equipment for turning in the rightdirection.

The center core 116 (FIGS. 1 and 7-8) has the center opening 108configured to receive the hub insert 110. The center opening 108 and thehub insert 110 are configured with respect to each other so that theyoptimally transmit the driving motion through the core to the workingelements. In the present example, the circular opening 108 in the centercore 116 includes semicircular cavities 152 for receiving complementarytabs of the hub insert (described more fully below). The center opening108 and the hub insert 110 are configured to closely fit together so therotation from the drive element is efficiently transmitted to the core.

The center core optionally also includes in the present example linearcavities, and in the present example, openings 154 (FIG. 7). Linearcavities are formed on, into or through the center core. The openings154 are aligned with respective chords of a circle concentric with thecenter core. In the present examples, each linear opening is longer thanit is wide. Also in the present examples, the linear opening extends adistance greater than the annular distance defined between the centeropening 108 and the closest distance the outer perimeter comes to thecenter opening. The linear openings 154 receive and retain linearstructures such as rods 156 (FIG. 3). Adhesive can be used in the layersto help hold the rods in place. The rods and the adhesive help tostrengthen the core and the blade. The linear cavities and rods can alsobe omitted, or substituted by alternative strengthening configurations,such as fiber materials, or the like. The center core 116 may be formedfrom a suitable material, which may include stainless steel or othercomparable materials, and may be formed by cutting such as by laser orwaterjet cutting, stamping, machining or otherwise. In the presentexample, the center core 116 is thicker than the outer layers 112 and114, and provides structural support for the core. As also illustratedherein, the center core provides support for releasably securableworking elements and in the present examples a repeating interfacegeometry so that working elements having complementary interfacegeometries can be placed on the core at any of the locations of acomplementary interface geometry.

The hub insert 110 (FIGS. 9-11) is a partially annular structure havingan outer perimeter portion 158 and an internal profile 160. The outerperimeter portion in the present example includes a plurality of tabs162 having a semicircular profile for complementing the semicircularcavities 152 in the center core (FIG. 7). Each tab includes acorresponding opening 164 extending completely through the tab forreceiving corresponding rivets or other fastening elements for securingthe hub insert within the laminar structure of the core. The outerperimeter portion 158 is a thinner planar portion intermediate anenvelope thickness defined by the upper and lower surfaces 166 and 168(FIG. 10) of the hub insert. The outer perimeter portion 158 issandwiched between adjacent layers of the first and second outer laminarlayers 112 and 114 and secured in place by the rivets 130 (FIG. 1A). Theouter perimeter portion 158 is recessed below the adjacent upper andlower surfaces 166 and 168 of the hub insert a thickness approximatelyequal to the thickness of the corresponding first and second outerlaminar layers. Adhesive can also be applied between the adjacentportions of the outer laminar layers and the outer perimeter portion.

In the present example, the hub insert includes a spline structure 170having a plurality of grooves 172 around the interior of the hub insert.The grooves 172 receive and extend over corresponding splines on a driveshaft. The hub insert and therefore the blade rotate with thedriveshaft. Other center configurations can also be used fortransmitting drive motion from drive equipment to the blade.

In the illustrated example of the center core 116 (FIGS. 7-7A), thecenter core includes an interface geometry about a perimeter of thecenter core for receiving removable components, for example theremovable cutting elements of the saw (described more fully below). Inthe present example, the interface geometry is incorporated in thecenter core, but the interface geometry can be made part of anycomponent or components forming a core, for example if a center core isomitted from the structure. While an interface geometry can take anumber of forms, such as circular, simple geometries such as a sawtooth,sinusoid, square or other repeating simple waveform, complex geometriesare also possible. Additionally, an interface geometry may be definedfor a portion of the core and then the geometry repeated over theremainder of the core. In the present example illustrated herein, thecore is divided into five pie-shaped sections of equal size. The angleof each section, and therefore the arc length at a perimeter portion ofeach section is the same for each section. The core has an odd number ofsections to reduce the possibility of resonance or other vibrationsdeveloping during use.

As discussed more fully below, the removable working elements areinter-engageable with the core at respective perimeter locations aboutthe core. Where the interface geometries for all sections are identical,a given removable working component fitting one section can also fiteach of the others. In the illustrated configuration of FIGS. 7 and 7A,the interface geometries for each section are identical, and thecharacteristics of only one of the interface geometries will bedescribed in detail. The structures and functions in the present exampleof the interface geometries are identical. With a circular core and acomplex interface geometry, the interface geometry is repeated aninteger number of times, in the present example for a total of fivesections and five identical interface geometries. Therefore, no sectionis exactly diametrically opposite another section.

In the illustrated example (FIGS. 7-7A), a section 200 is illustrated asoriginating at the center of the core and extending outward to an outerperimeter. The outer perimeter of the core is defined by the perimetersurface 202 of the core, and an outer perimeter portion of the core maybe defined as falling within an arcuate band or annulus having anouter-most extent defined by an outermost point on the core, in thisexample perimeter surface 202. In the present example, the outermostpoint on the core is determined by at least one point in each section ofthe core. The arcuate band has an inner most position that may bedefined by an innermost point on the perimeter surface, which in thepresent example falls on an imaginary circle 202A passing through asignificant portion of the perimeter surface of the center core. In thepresent example, the interface geometry includes the innermost perimetersurface and extends outward therefrom. In other examples, the interfacegeometry may extend internal to the imaginary circle of the presentconfiguration, for example either partially or completely. In an examplewhere the interface geometry extends completely internal to theimaginary circle, the interface geometry would be defined by theperimeter surface of the core falling on the imaginary circle andcavities or grooves extending into the core from the imaginary circle,as distinguished from structures extending away from the center core.The imaginary circle 202A can be considered a baseline for referencewith the solid geometries forming the interface geometry.

In the example of an interface geometry shown in FIGS. 7-7A, theinterface geometry includes a plurality of individual solid geometriesand their associated surface geometries, where a given surface geometryforms part of a surface of a respective solid geometry. A solid geometrymay have a plurality of surfaces forming respective surface geometries,where a respective surface geometry may have a simple shape (linear,curved, angled) or may have a more complex shape (multiple,non-repeating angles, curves, and/or lines that might be modeled with acomplex equation). A simple surface geometry may be one that is easilyrecognizable to a casual observer, and may be a straight line, a simplecurve, including a semi-circle, a single angled surface, and the like.In the present examples, individual geometries are distinguishable byone or more of shape and size, for example, and relative orientation,such as relative to an adjacent core surface, a base line reference suchas an imaginary line from a common reference such as a center point or acenter line, or relative to another geometry in the interface geometry.In one example, a geometry may be a finger 204, and in another example,a geometry may be a truncated finger or slat 206. In a further example,a geometry may be an angled slat 208, a short fin 210, a longer fin 212,and/or wider fins 214 and 216 (somewhat wider than fins 210 and 212).Other geometries can also be used, for example in addition to thepresent geometries, or instead of the present geometries or othercombinations thereof. As noted above, the present geometries extendoutward from core. Alternatively, one or more of the individualgeometries can extend inward into the core from the circular perimetersurface, or all of the geometries can extend inward.

In the example of the interface geometry shown in FIGS. 7-7A, at leastone, or several and in the present example all of the individualgeometries in the interface geometry of the section 200 and have atleast one surface extending outward from the core parallel to anothersurface in the interface geometry. Examples of parallel surfaces arerepresented by the phantom lines, for example 204A, 206A, 208A, etc.Additionally, the fingers 204 and 204′, slats 206, and angled slat 208have a plurality of parallel extending surfaces, for example 204B, 206Band 208B (FIG. 7A). Also in the present example, the opposite sides ofthe fingers 204 and the slats 206 extend parallel and substantiallystraight to the circular perimeter portion 218 of the core (whileproviding a smooth, curving transition to the perimeter). One parallelside represented by 208A of the angled slat 208 extends straight to acurving transition to the perimeter 218, while the opposite parallelside 208B extends to an angled heel 208C, extending outward from theangled slat 208 in the direction of the next adjacent section, and thenturns inward to the circular perimeter 218. The heel 208C forms a cavity220 between it and the next adjacent slat 206 in the next adjacentsection.

The parallel surfaces in the section 200 are depicted in FIGS. 7-7A asbeing parallel to each other. However, it should be understood that oneor more surfaces can be parallel among themselves, but not necessarilyparallel to others in the interface geometry. In other examples,surfaces are not parallel to any significant extent. In the presentexample, surfaces on each of the geometries 204-216 are parallel, andextend outward from the core. As a given geometry is adjacent anothergeometry in the illustrated example, each geometry has a surface that isparallel to a surface in an adjacent geometry. Additionally, at leasttwo adjacent geometries have their closest surfaces parallel, forexample 204B and 210A. Conversely, the surfaces 204A and 212A onadjacent geometries are not the closest surfaces in those geometries.Additionally, in the present interface geometry, the parallel surface204A on the one hand and the parallel surfaces 206A and 206B on theother hand are separated by the intermediate geometry 212.

Furthermore, fingers 204, 204′, 206 and 208 represent five substantiallystraight, linearly extending geometries outward of the core. The fins210-216 also represent a group of similar individual geometries, forexample having respective straight (and parallel in the present example)sides and curved sides. Therefore, different individual geometries canhave different characteristics, but still have surfaces parallel to eachother.

It is also noted that in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 7-7A, atleast one of the surfaces identified as representing a parallel line ison a leading edge of the individual geometry, given that the directionof rotation 150 is as indicated (FIG. 1) for this circular blade.Moreover, each individual geometry in the interface geometry has itsleading edge at least partly flat and parallel to the leading edges of aplurality of the other individual geometries, and as illustratedparallel to all of the leading edges in the interface geometry.Consequently, for the direction of rotation, much of the loading fromthe cutting element at any given circumferential position is applied tothe nearby leading surface(s) on the individual geometries.

In the present example, one surface on the finger 204′, namely thatrepresented by phantom line 204′A, is on a radius of the circular core.In other configurations, another of the parallel surfaces can beselected to be on a radius, or alternatively, the geometries can beselected so that no parallel surface is on a radius. It is noted thatfor a given parallel surface on a radius, none of the other parallelsurfaces in the section would be on a radius. Consequently, a removableworking element such as a cutting element would more easily fit onto thegeometries in the interface geometry given the arcuate characteristic ofthe perimeter portion of the core and typical linear movement of thecutting element into engagement with the interface geometry. In analternative configuration, the cutting element could be positionedrelative to the interface geometry so that one portion is adjacent or incontact with a corresponding portion of the interface geometry, and thenpivoted into place to completely engage the interface geometry. Otherassembly configurations are possible.

In the present configuration of the interface geometry, represented insection 200, a first individual geometry can be paired with a secondindividual geometry over a sub-span or portion of a span defined by asection 200, for example, to produce a combined geometry. For example, afinger 204 and fin 210 can form a combined geometry extending over asub-span between the angled slat 208 and the adjacent fin 212. Thecombined geometry of a fin and a finger can be repeated at otherlocations along a span of the section 200. For example, fin 214 andfinger 204′ form a combined geometry. Alternatively, slat 206 and fin214 can form a combined geometry, but that combined geometry is notrepeated within the section 200 in the illustrated examples.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 3 and 7A, the fins 210-216 havestraight and parallel surfaces facing in the direction of bladerotation. Such parallel surfaces help to support the cutting elements inplace when the loading against the cutting elements would otherwise tendto lift the cutting element away from the core. Additionally, the fingerhaving the parallel surface 204′A on a radius is closer to the leadingedge of the section and therefore the leading edge of the interfacegeometry. With this configuration, a larger number of parallel surfaceson the individual geometries form an acute angle with a tangent 221 (ora perpendicular line) to the radius represented by 204′A, than thenumber of parallel surfaces on the individual geometries forming a rightor obtuse angle with the same tangent. This characteristic of theinterface geometry reduces the possibility that loading on a cuttingelement will tend to lift the cutting element away from the coreperimeter. Given that the line 204′A is perpendicular to the tangent tothe circle where the line 204′A crosses, the preceding surface 204B,parallel surface 216A and the parallel surface 206B are notperpendicular to a tangent where the respective parallel surfaces wouldcross the circle 218, but instead form an obtuse angle to theirrespective tangent lines. Conversely, the parallel surfaces (214A, 264A,204A, 210A, and 208A) behind the line 204′A are not perpendicular to atangent where the respective parallel surfaces across the circle 218,but instead form an acute angle. Therefore, there are more parallelsurfaces forming acute angles with their respective tangents (five) thanthere are parallel surfaces forming obtuse angles with their respectivetangents (three). Given the direction of rotation of the blade, loadingon the cutting element will generally force the cutting element down andagainst the parallel surfaces of the individual geometries. Such loadingwill tend to reduce any loading on any securement elements holding thecutting element in place on the core. It is desirable to have at leastone more leading surface forming an acute angle than there are leadingsurfaces forming obtuse or right angles

Each of the linearly-extending individual solid geometries (fingers,slats and angled slats) include openings 222 (FIG. 7) to facilitatefastening the laminar layers together with the center core, but one ormore solid geometries can omit openings for securement. The fingers 204and 204′ are configured in the present example to extend to theoutermost limit of the center core, to be as close as possible to theworking portions of the cutting element. Rivets or other fastenerssecuring the first and second outer laminar layers and the center corethrough the openings 222 provide strength at the outer-most portion ofthe perimeter portion of the core. The openings 222 on the slats andangled slats strengthen that portion of the perimeter of the coreadjacent the securement elements (146 described more fully below). Theslats and the angled slats also include concave surfaces 206C and 208D,respectively, for accommodating pivoting movement of the securementelements 146. Other surface configurations can be used with otherconfigurations of securement elements.

In circular saw blades, sections of interface geometries can beconsidered to have boundaries that may be defined by changes in thedirections of adjacent individual geometries. For example, if anindividual geometry closest and extending most parallel to a radius ofthe core, for example 204′, can be considered as extending or directedin a first direction, and a next individual geometry around theperimeter in either direction and also closest and extending mostparallel to a radius of the core (approximately to the same extent of“closest and extending most parallel”), for example the next geometry204′ in an adjacent section would be considered as extending in adifferent direction. Because interface geometries repeat in the presentexample, the selected individual geometries found to be closest andextending most parallel to the respective radius of the core will definethe angles for their respective sections (for non-trivial interfacegeometries). In the present example, the transition of individual solidgeometries extending in a first direction in a given section toindividual solid geometries extending in a second direction in anadjacent section will help to define the boundary between adjacentsections and adjacent interface geometries.

In the present example, the transition between adjacent interfacegeometries occurs between adjacent solid geometries, which may be termedboundary geometries, for example between an angled slat 208 and anadjacent slat 206 (adjacent in the direction away from the otherindividual geometries in the same section or interface geometry). Thetransition is selected to occur in the cavity 220 between the angledslat 208 and the slat 206. The sections can be visualized with thephantom lines shown in FIG. 7 that are arcuately equidistant. Eachsection of the center core is identical to the others except for thecavities 152 in the center opening, which are more in number than thenumber of sections. In the present examples, the interface geometriesare identical, the section angles are identical, the arcuate spans areidentical and the individual solid geometries in each interface geometryare identical to respective ones in the other interface geometries.However, other alternative configurations are also possible, asdiscussed herein.

Working elements such as the cutting components 106 can take a number ofconfigurations. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 15-21, the cuttingcomponents are arcuate carriers 300 having respective mountingstructures 300A with interface geometries 300B over a span or length ofall or part of the carrier with cutting components 300C formed orincluded there on. In the example of a wood saw, the cutting componentscan be carbide cutting tips, and in the example of a concrete saw, canbe diamond composite cutting segments. Other configurations of workingelements can also be used.

The cutting components 300C have a lateral thickness approximating thethickness of the blade core, for example in a wood saw. In a concretesaw, the cutting components 300C may be laterally wider. The cuttingcomponents can be selected to extend radially outward to an outer-mostperimeter surface a distance of approximately 1 inch, but can be greateror lesser as desired. A one-inch range can be adequately supported bythe core in the present configurations. The cutting components 300C aregenerally conventional, but in the present example are formed monolithicwith the mounting structures 300A.

The mounting structure 300A is formed thinner than the cuttingcomponents and thinner than the overall thickness of the blade core. Inthe present example, the mounting structure 300A is approximately thesame thickness as the center core 116. The mounting structure 300A fitsinto the cavity formed by the first and second outer layers 112 and 114and the interface geometry of the center core. The cutting component 300includes a shoulder 300D on each side of the mounting structure forreceiving the exposed perimeter edge of the respective laminar layer(112, 114). The edge of the laminar layer against a shoulder 300D helpsto absorb sideloading against the opposite side of the cuttingcomponent.

In the present example, the interface geometry 300B is complementary tothe interface geometry of part of the core (for example where theinterface geometry is repeating over the core) and includes a perimetersurface 302 coincident and complimentary with the perimeter surface 202on the core. While there may be situations where 100% coincidence is notdesired, and gaps or spacing can exist between the otherwisecomplementary interface geometries, the present example has the matinginterface geometries substantially complementary and coincident.

In the illustrated example, the interface geometry 300B of the carrier300 includes a plurality of solid geometries, each having a plurality ofsurface geometries, and as illustrated, each of four solid geometrieshave a plurality of surface geometries wherein at least three surfacegeometries on at least one of the solid geometries are parallel to eachother. Since the carrier 300 is intended for use with a circular tool,at least two of the at least three surface geometries are non-radial,though they are linear. The parallel surface geometries are noncollinearand non-coplanar as viewed in side profile. In the illustrated example,the interface geometry 300B includes first, second, third and fourthsolid geometries 301A, 301B, 301C, and 301D, respectively (FIG. 17A). Inthe present example, none of the solid geometries in the interfacegeometry are exactly identical, but each solid geometry includes a walldefining a profile having a fin shape, 301E, 301F, 301G and 301H,respectively. The profiles are configured to complement thecorresponding surfaces in the interface profile on the core. Thefin-shaped profiles are positioned at different arcuate locations and/ororientations on the respective solid geometry relative to the othersolid geometries, which makes the arrangement of surface geometries onthe first solid geometry different from the arrangement of surfacegeometries on the second solid geometry, for example. However, each ofthe fin-shaped profiles include substantially straight leading walls301E′, 301F′, 301G′, and 301H′, respectively, extending parallel to eachother.

Each of the solid geometries in the illustrated example includes aleading wall and a trailing wall parallel to each other, 301A′, 301A″,301B′, 301B″, 301C′, 301C″, and 301D′ and 301D″ and the leading andtrailing walls in one solid geometry are also parallel to the leadingand trailing walls of the other solid geometries. The leading andtrailing walls are outside or lateral surface geometries of the solidgeometries. These leading and trailing walls are also parallel tocorresponding walls in the interface geometry of the core, and atrailing wall of a solid geometry in the carrier will bear against acorresponding leading wall in the core when under load. Additionally,adjacent solid geometries have their facing surface geometries parallelto each other, for example 301A′ and 301B″. The facing surfacegeometries define openings or channels for receiving complementary solidgeometries from the tool. A plurality of the openings or channels areangled forward relative to a radius passing through the respectiveopening or channel and outward of the tool, so that those openings orchannels that are angled forward are angled in the direction of motionof the tool. The walls defining channels that are angled forward in thepresent example include 301A″, 301A′, 301B″, 301B′, and 301C″. A wall ofthe interface geometry on the carrier 300 may extend parallel to aradius of the tool (when the carrier is mounted on the tool, or on aradius of curvature of the carrier), or substantially parallel to aradius, in which case such wall would not be directed or angled forwardor rearward relative to the direction of motion of the carrier and thetool when the carrier is mounted on the tool. Such a wall includes wall301C′, and the channel which is defined in part by the wall 301C′ mayalso be considered to be substantially parallel to a radius of the tooland radius of curvature of the carrier. However, the wall 301C′ and itschannel are substantially parallel to the forwardly angled walls in theinterface geometry, namely 301A″, 301A′, 301B″, 301B′, and 301C″.

A wall of the interface geometry on the carrier 300 may also extendbackward or rearward relative to the direction of motion of the carrierand the tool when the carrier is mounted on the tool. Such wall includes301D′ and 301M′, which together define in part a channel that may alsobe considered to be directed rearwardly relative to the direction ofmotion of the carrier and the tool when the carrier is mounted on thetool, and relative to a radius passing through the channel or sidewalldefining the channel. However, the walls 301D′ and 301M′ are parallel toother walls in the carrier 300, and the channel defined by such walls isalso parallel to other channels in the carrier.

The carrier 300 also includes boundary solid geometries 301L and 301M.The boundary solid geometries provide transitions between the interfacegeometry of their carrier with corresponding boundary solid geometriesof adjacent carriers. The boundary solid geometries 301M and 301L areleading and trailing solid geometries, respectively, on leading andtrailing portions of the carrier, based on the intended direction ofmotion of the carrier when mounted on the tool. In the illustratedexample, each boundary solid geometry includes at least one surfacegeometry 301L′ and 301M′, respectively, parallel to one or more surfacegeometries in the other solid geometries of the interface geometry. Inthe present example, they are also parallel to each other.

The present interface geometry 300B includes linearly andradially-outward extending pockets or cavities 304, 304′, 306, 306′ and308 having substantially straight sidewalls. The cavities extendinterior to the mounting structure 300A. Portions of the cavities extendparallel to portions of the other cavities. The fingers 204 and 204′substantially coincide with the cavities 304 and 304′, with theiradjacent complementary surfaces substantially contacting. Additionally,the cutting segment interface geometry 300B includes partially arcuateor fin-shaped cavities 310, 312, 314 and 316 complementary to the fins210-216, respectively, and their adjacent surfaces substantially contacteach other. The fin-shaped cavities are positioned in between adjacentones of the cavities 304, 304′, 306 or 308. When the cutting element ispositioned on the core in its proper location on the section 200, thesurfaces of the cavities 304, 304′, 306 and 308 extend tangent to andparallel to the adjacent surfaces of the fingers, slats and angled slat.

One or more of the cavities, and in the present example, three of thecavities 306 and 308, include cavity surface configurations for engagingwith a securement or locking element. Engagement surfaces help to securethe cutting element on the core. An end of the interface profileincludes at least one engagement surface, for example the leading end ofthe cutting element in the direction of rotation of the blade, and inthe illustrated example engagement surfaces are included at each end ofthe cutting element interface. The illustrated example also includes anadditional or intermediate engagement surface for additional strength insecuring the cutting element on the core. Additional engagement surfacescan be provided and distributed over the interface geometry to help inwithstanding the loading against the cutting element.

At least one of the cavities (306, 308) includes at least one engagementsurface 350 and, in the illustrated embodiment two engagement surfaces350 and 352 (FIG. 19). The cavity configurations with the engagementsurfaces 350 and 352 are substantially identical between cavities 306and 308. The engagement cavity configurations are positioned at the endof their respective cavities 306 and 308, and includes first and secondarcuate portions 354 and 356. The arcuate portions 354 and 356 allow thesecurement elements (146 described more fully below) to pivot within theends of the cavities. Pivoting in a clockwise direction, as thestructures would be viewed in FIG. 19, would continue until adjacentsurfaces of the securement elements come into contact with respectiveones of the engagement surfaces 350 and 352. The arcuate portions 354and 356 fall on an imaginary circle centered preferably on the pivotaxis of the securement element. The engagement surfaces 350 and 352 formstop surfaces for the securement elements, and extend at respectiveangles to a centerline for the linearly-extending cavity 306 or 308,respectively. The angles are such that a securement element will pivotless than 90° before contacting the engagement or stop surfaces 350 and352.

The cutting element also includes darts or arrows 360 formed on, in orthrough the mounting structure 300A of the cutting element. The arrowsare used to align with corresponding arrows 148 on the first and secondlaminar layers to properly position the cutting element in the cavitybetween the laminar layers and inter-engaging with the interfacegeometry of the center core.

The securement element 146 (FIGS. 1-6 and 12-14) can take a number ofconfigurations. The securement elements can be a pivoting lock, asliding latch, and engaging pawl, or other configurations. In thepresent example, the securement element 146 is a pivoting structuresandwiched between the first and second laminar layers of the core withportions extending and fitting into openings therein. For example, thesecurement element 146 is a lock having substantially symmetric surfacesand a manual or tool engaging surface. The locking includes an eccentricplanar element 400 and 402 bisecting a body portion 404 having acylindrical shape. The body portion forms first and second bossstructures 406 and 408 extending outward from the planar element so asto fit into and engage respective openings in respective laminar layersof the core. The boss structures allow the lock to pivot within theopenings and are shaped complementary to the openings. The planarelement extends between the first and second laminar layers. Each end ofthe planar element includes arcuate surfaces 410 and 412 for travelingalong the corresponding arcuate surfaces 354 and 356 (FIG. 19) in thelocking cavities. Each side surface of the planar element includesrespective stop surfaces 414, 416, 418 and 424 contacting adjacent stopsurfaces in the securement cavity. When the lock pivots clockwise, forexample as viewed in FIGS. 6 and 13, stop surfaces 414 and 418 contactthe adjacent surfaces 350 and 352, respectively, in a locked position.The lock thereby locks the cutting element to the core. When the lock ispivoted counterclockwise, the stop surfaces 416 and 420 contact the stopsurfaces 358 and 359, respectively (FIG. 19), to unlock the lock. Theplanar elements 400 and 402 are then aligned with the respective cavityin the cutting element (306 or 308) and the cutting element can bedisengaged from the core (when all associated locking elements areunlocked) by moving the cutting element linearly outward as depicted inFIG. 4.

The securement elements 146 can be manipulated manually, depending ontheir structure, or with a suitable tool, such as a spanner wrench,two-pronged driver (screwdriver or socket driver adapted to have tolongitudinally-extending prongs) or other tool for engaging the openings422 on a boss of the lock. Other configurations can be used as well.

With the interface geometries described herein, or others wherein acutting element is loaded to set down and against geometry surfacesforming an acute angle with adjacent tangents, the loading is taken upby the various geometries. As a result, locking elements, for example atthe ends of slats as described herein, are not heavily loaded and aremore reliable to withstand normal operating conditions.

Each cutting element can be aligned with corresponding arrows on thecore and inserted into the cavity between the first and second outerlayers of the core and secured in place with respective locks 146. Eachcutting element can be mounted and secured in a similar manner. One ormore cutting elements can be removed by reversing the steps, for exampleto replace a damaged cutting element or to reconfigure the blade byreplacing all of the cutting elements. For example, a bladeconfiguration can be changed by changing the types of cutting elements.Alternatively, a blade configuration can be changed by changing thesizes of the cutting elements for example by installing carriers havinglonger or shorter mounting structures, thereby changing the overalldiameter of the final blade.

A blade core can be assembled by placing adhesive on the center core andpositioning the hub element and the locking elements in their respectiveopenings or cavities in an outer laminar layer. Rivet openings in thecenter core and the laminar layer are then aligned, and thestrengthening members positioned in their respective cavities. Theopposite outer laminar layers then placed in registration on the centercore and the assembly secured together, for example through rivets orother fasteners. A final core can then be assembled with cuttingelements and shipped or shipped separately so the user can assemble thedesired cutting elements on the core.

As depicted schematically in FIG. 4, a removable component can beassembled onto a perimeter of the core by aligning the interfacegeometry of the component with a complementary interface geometry on thecore. The removable component is then translated in a direction parallelto a chord of the core (an imaginary line in the removable componentwill be collinear with and move along a radius of the core) until thecomplementary interface geometries engage, and the mounting structures300A extend between and are sandwiched by the adjacent interior surfacesof the outer layers 112 and 114. When the complementary interfacegeometries are securely seated with respect to each other, the lockingelements 146 can be engaged. In the present examples, the lockingelements help to load the removable component in the core.

In the illustrated configuration of FIG. 4, a given complementaryremovable component can be placed at any of the five positions around aperimeter of the core and secured in place. Five substantially similarremovable components can be mounted to and secured in the core for use.If a removable component is damaged, it can be removed and replaced. Ifthe blade configuration is to be changed, for example by changing thewidth or other configuration of the cutting elements, the removablecomponent can be removed and replaced by removable components having thedesired configuration.

Having thus described several exemplary implementations, it will beapparent that various alterations and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the concepts discussed herein. Such alterations andmodifications, though not expressly described above, are nonethelessintended and implied to be within the spirit and scope of theinventions. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to beillustrative only.

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable component for a tool wherein theremovable component includes or is adapted to support at least oneworking component for the tool, the removable component comprising: asupport structure having a first support portion configured to support aworking component, the support structure further including an engagementportion having an interface geometry wherein the engagement portion isconfigured to be mounted on a tool for movement in a first directionwherein the removable component includes a leading portion that precedesin motion of the tool a trailing portion of the removable component, andwherein the engagement portion includes a plurality of walls defining anopening for engaging a complementary portion of the tool and wherein atleast first and second walls of the plurality of walls extend at anglesin a direction toward the support portion and toward the leadingportion.
 2. The removable component of claim 1 wherein the opening inthe engagement portion is a first opening and wherein the engagementportion includes a second opening and wherein the first and secondopenings are substantially parallel to each other.
 3. The removablecomponent of claim 2 wherein a second plurality of walls help to definethe second opening and wherein a wall in the second plurality of wallsis parallel to a wall in the plurality of walls defining the firstopening.
 4. The removable component of any of the preceding claimswherein the interface geometry has at least one solid geometry whereinthe at least one solid geometry includes sidewalls extending parallel toeach other.
 5. The removable component of claim 4 wherein the solidgeometry includes a further wall extending parallel to the sidewalls. 6.The removable component of any of the preceding claims wherein theinterface geometry includes first and second solid geometries eachhaving sidewalls extending parallel to each other, wherein the first andsecond solid geometries have sidewalls that face each other and that areparallel to each other, and wherein each of the first and second solidgeometries include respective surface of geometries intermediate therespective sidewalls of the respective solid geometry, and wherein eachintermediate surface geometry includes a wall parallel to the sidewallsof the respective solid geometry.
 7. The removable component of claim 6wherein the first and second solid geometries are different from eachother in side profile.
 8. The removable component of claim 6 whereineach of the solid geometries extend from respective locations adjacentthe first support portion away from the first support portion to theirrespective intermediate surface geometries.
 9. The removable componentof any of the preceding claims further including at least one workingcomponent on the first support portion.
 10. The removable component ofclaim 9 wherein the at least one working component includes cuttingelements.
 11. The removable component of claim 9 wherein the at leastone working component is a plurality of cutting elements mountedcontinuously over the first support portion from the leading portion tothe trailing portion.
 12. The removable component of claim 11 whereinthe cutting elements are carbide tips.
 13. The removable component ofany of the preceding claims 10-12 wherein the engagement portion has afirst width and the working component has a second width greater thanthe first width.
 14. The removable component of any of the precedingclaims wherein the interface geometry includes an opening for receivinga pivotable locking element.
 15. The removable component of any of thepreceding claims wherein the interface geometry includes surfacegeometries defining more than three slots.
 16. The removable componentof any of the preceding claims wherein the removable component extendsarcuately.
 17. The removable component of claim 16 wherein the arcuateremovable component extends from the leading portion to the trailingportion through a middle portion half way between the leading andtrailing portions and wherein the interface geometry includes theinterface geometry includes a radial wall extending parallel to a radiusof curvature of the arcuate removable component and wherein the radialwall is spaced arcuately away from the middle portion.
 18. The removablecomponent of claim 17 wherein the radial wall is positioned between themiddle portion and the leading portion.
 19. The removable component ofeither of claim 17 or 18 further including a first plurality of wallsparallel to the radial wall and between the radial wall and the trailingportion, and a second plurality of walls parallel to the radial wall andbetween the radial wall and the leading portion, and wherein there aremore parallel walls in the first plurality than in the second plurality.20. The removable component of any of the preceding claims wherein theremovable component extends from a first end to a second end and whereinthe removable component can be divided by a line bisecting the removablecomponent between the first and second ends into a leading half and atrailing half, wherein the leading and trailing halves have respectivesolid geometries and a solid geometry in the leading half is differentthan a solid geometry in the trailing half.
 21. The removable componentof claim 20 wherein the removable component includes an even number ofworking elements and the interface geometry is asymmetric about thebisecting line.
 22. The removable component of any of the precedingclaims 20-21 wherein all of the solid geometries in the leading half aredifferent from the solid geometries in the trailing half.
 23. Theremovable component of any of the preceding claims 2-22 wherein thefirst and second solid geometries are different from each other.
 24. Aworking tool configured to receive a removable component according toany of the preceding claims, the working tool comprising: a tool corehaving a mounting portion configured to allow the working tool to besupported on and driven by a machine for operating the working tool, thetool core extending from the mounting portion to a perimeter portion;and the tool core perimeter portion including a core interface geometryhaving at least one solid geometry and a plurality of surface geometriesand wherein at least three surface geometries are parallel to each otherin the core interface geometry.
 25. The tool of claim 24 wherein the atleast one solid geometry includes a plurality of solid geometries andwherein the plurality of surface geometries are formed on first andsecond solid geometries.
 26. The tool of claim 25 wherein first andsecond parallel surface geometries are formed on the first solidgeometry and a third parallel surface geometry is formed on the secondsolid geometry, and wherein the first and second solid geometries arespaced apart from each other.
 27. The tool of any of the precedingclaims 25-26 wherein the first and second solid geometries extendoutwardly from the tool core.
 28. The tool of any of the precedingclaims 25-27 wherein the first and second solid geometries extendoutwardly from the tool core in the same direction.
 29. The tool of anyof the preceding claims 25-28 wherein the first and second solidgeometries include means for securing the first and second solidgeometries to respective adjacent tool core components.
 30. The tool ofany of the preceding claims 25-29 wherein the first solid geometryincludes an arcuate surface for supporting a pivoting locking element.31. The tool of any of the preceding claims 25-30 wherein the firstsolid geometry includes a convex surface geometry and the second solidgeometry includes a concave surface geometry.
 32. The tool of any of thepreceding claims 24-31 wherein the tool is circular and the coreinterface geometry extends over a portion of the tool core perimeter andwherein the at least three surface geometries are parallel to a radiusof the tool passing through the core interface geometry.
 33. The tool ofclaim 32 wherein the tool is configured to rotate in a first direction,wherein the core interface geometry extends from a first portion of thetool core perimeter to a second portion of the tool core perimeterwherein the first portion leads the second portion when the toolrotates, and wherein the radius of the tool passing through the coreinterface geometry parallel to the at least three surface geometries inthe core interface geometry is closer to the first portion than to thesecond portion of the tool core perimeter.
 34. The tool of claim 33wherein the core interface geometry includes a first plurality of solidgeometries between the radius and the second portion, includes a secondplurality of solid geometries between the radius and the first portion,and wherein the first plurality is greater than the second plurality.35. The tool of any of the preceding claims 33-34 wherein the firstplurality of solid geometries includes an arcuate solid geometry havinga leading wall parallel to the radius, and a linearly extending solidgeometry and leading and trailing walls parallel to the radius.
 36. Thetool of claim 35 wherein the core interface geometry includes first andsecond pairs of solid geometries wherein each pair of solid geometriesincludes an arcuate solid geometry and a linearly extending solidgeometry.
 37. The tool of claim 36 wherein the core interface geometryincludes four pairs of solid geometries wherein each pair includes anarcuate solid geometry and a linearly extending solid geometry.
 38. Thetool of any of the preceding claims 35-37 wherein each of the solidgeometries includes at least one surface geometry parallel to at leastone surface geometry in each of the other solid geometries.
 39. The toolof any of the preceding claims 35-38 wherein the solid geometries in thefirst pair of solid geometries is not identical to the solid geometriesin the second pair of solid geometries.
 40. The tool of any of thepreceding claims 25-38 wherein the core interface geometry includesarcuate perimeter surfaces wherein first and second solid geometries areseparated by an arcuate perimeter surface in the core interfacegeometry.
 41. The tool of any of the preceding claims 24-17 wherein thetool is circular and the tool includes a plurality of interfacegeometries arranged about the perimeter of the tool.
 42. The tool ofclaim 41 wherein the interface geometries in the plurality of interfacegeometries are identical to each other.
 43. The tool of any of thepreceding claims 41-42 wherein the plurality of interface geometries isan odd number of interface geometries.
 44. The tool of any of thepreceding claims 41-20 wherein each of the interface geometries in theplurality of interface geometries have an arcuate length identical tothe arcuate length of each of the other interface geometries in theplurality of interface geometries.
 45. The tool of any of the precedingclaims 24-44 wherein the tool is configured to move in a firstdirection, and wherein the solid geometry is angled in the direction ofthe first direction.
 46. The tool of any of the preceding claims 24-45wherein the tool core is formed from a laminate of an intermediate coreand first and second outer layers.
 47. The tool of claim 46 furtherincluding one or more of adhesive and fasteners securing theintermediate core and first and second outer layers.
 48. The tool of anyof the preceding claims 46-47 further including a plurality of crossbarsbetween the first and second outer layers.
 49. The tool of any of thepreceding claims further including first and second removable componentsfor engaging respective core interface geometries on the core, whereinthe first and second removable components are positioned adjacent eachother.
 50. The tool of claim 49 wherein the first and second removablecomponents are identical to each other.
 51. The tool of any of thepreceding claims 49-50 wherein the placement of the first and secondremovable components in the core are interchangeable with each other.52. The tool of any of the preceding claims 49-51 wherein the firstremovable component includes a first interface geometry having a firstsolid geometry with parallel lines extending in a first direction andthe second removable component includes a second interface geometryhaving a second solid geometry with parallel lines extending in a seconddirection different from the first direction.
 53. The tool of any of thepreceding claims 49-52 wherein the tool includes an odd number ofremovable components wherein each of the removable components areidentical to each other and interchangeable on the core.
 54. The tool ofany of the preceding claims 49-53 wherein the core includes an oddnumber of core interface geometries, wherein the core interfacegeometries are identical to each other, and wherein the number of coreinterface geometries equals the number of removable components.
 55. Thetool of any of the preceding claims 24-54 further including a pivotablelocking element adjacent a solid geometry on the core.
 56. The tool ofclaim 55 wherein the pivotable locking element is a cam element.
 57. Thetool of any of the preceding claims 55-56 wherein the locking elementincludes first and second lobes coplanar with each other and first andsecond support bosses on each side of a plane of the lobes.
 58. The toolof claim 57 wherein the first and second support bosses are unperforatedor without through passages.
 59. The tool of any of the preceding claims55-58 wherein the locking element is configured to bias a removablecomponent against a core interface geometry.
 60. The tool of any of thepreceding claims 55-59 wherein each removable component is locked intothe core interface geometry with a plurality of locking elements. 61.The tool of claim 60 wherein each removable component is locked into thecore interface geometry with three pivotable locking elements.
 62. Aworking tool configured to receive and releasably retain at least oneremovable component, the working tool comprising: a tool core having amounting portion configured to allow the working tool to be supported onand driven by a machine for operating the working tool, the tool coreextending from the mounting portion to a perimeter portion; and the toolcore perimeter portion including a core interface geometry having atleast one solid geometry and a plurality of surface geometries andwherein at least three surface geometries are parallel to each other inthe core interface geometry.
 63. The working tool of claim 62 whereinthe at least three surface geometries are noncollinear.
 64. The workingtool of any of the preceding claims 62-63 wherein the at least threesurface geometries are non-coplanar.
 65. The working tool of any of thepreceding claims 62-64 wherein the core interface geometry includesfirst and second solid geometries and wherein first and second surfacegeometries are on the first solid geometry and the second surfacegeometry is on the second solid geometry and wherein the first andsecond solid geometries are spaced apart along the perimeter portion.66. The working tool of any of the preceding claims 62-58 wherein thecore interface geometry includes a plurality of non-repeating solidgeometries, wherein a plurality of the non-repeating solid geometriesinclude at least one surface extending parallel to the at least threesurface geometries.
 67. The working tool of any of the preceding claims62-66 wherein the at least three surface geometries extend parallel toeach other when viewed in side view of the working tool.
 68. The workingtool of any of the preceding claims 62-67 wherein the core interfacegeometry includes first and second solid geometries included in asub-span of the core interface geometry and wherein the solid geometriesin the sub-span are not repeated within the core interface geometry. 69.The working tool of claim 68 wherein the first and second solidgeometries extend away from the perimeter portion respective first andsecond distances and wherein the first and second solid geometries aredifferent from each other in the first and second distances.
 70. Theworking tool of any of the preceding claims 68-69 wherein the coreinterface geometry includes a third solid geometry different from thefirst and second solid geometries.
 71. The working tool of claim 70wherein the first second and third solid geometries are different fromeach other in shape and dimension.
 72. The working tool of any of thepreceding claims 70-71 wherein the first second and third solidgeometries are spaced from adjacent solid geometries by differentdistances.
 73. The working tool of any of the preceding claims 65-72wherein each of the solid geometries have at least one surface definingrespective surface geometries extending parallel to the at least threesurface geometries.
 74. The working tool of any of the preceding claims65-73 wherein the core interface geometry includes a perimeter surfaceof the core, and solid geometries within the core interface geometryextend outward from the perimeter surface of the core, and wherein eachsolid geometry extending outward from the perimeter surface include atleast one surface geometry parallel to the at least three surfacegeometries.
 75. The working tool of claim 74 where the at least onesurface geometry on each solid geometry faces a leading portion of theat least one surface geometry when the working tool is configured tomove in a defined direction.
 76. The working tool of any of thepreceding claims 62-75 wherein the working tool includes a plurality ofcore interface geometries identical to each other.
 77. The working toolof claim 76 wherein the working tool includes an odd number of coreinterface geometries identical to each other.
 78. The working tool ofany of the preceding claims 62-77 wherein the working tool is circularand a core interface geometry extends arcuately.
 79. The working tool ofany of the preceding claims 62-78 is a laminate of at least one outerlayer and a core layer, wherein the core layer includes the coreinterface geometry.
 80. The working tool of claim 79 wherein the atleast one outer layer and core layer are secured together with one ormore of adhesive, fasteners, and welding.
 81. The working tool of any ofthe preceding claims 79-80 further including a pivotal locking elementspositioned inside the at least one outer layer and adjacent the corelayer.
 82. The working tool of claim 81 further including a second outerlayer and wherein the pivotal locking element is sandwiched between theat least one outer layer and the second outer layer.
 83. The workingtool of any of the preceding claims 62-82 further including a pluralityof releasably secured working elements.
 84. The working tool of claim 83wherein the plurality of releasably secured working elements areidentical to each other.
 85. The working tool of any of the precedingclaims 83-84 wherein the releasably secured working elements are securedin place by at least one pivotal locking element.
 86. The working toolof claim 85 wherein the at least one pivotal locking element isconfigured to bias a working element into engagement with the coreinterface geometry.
 87. The working tool of any of the preceding claims83-86 wherein each working element is coextensive with a respective coreinterface geometry.
 88. A circular saw blade comprising a core and atleast one outer layer secured to the core, wherein the core includes astructure for mounting the blade on a drive mechanism, and an outerperimeter, wherein the outer perimeter includes an interface geometryfor securing at least one working element to the saw blade and whereinthe interface geometry includes at least first and second solidgeometries wherein the first and second solid geometries are differentfrom each other.
 89. The blade of claim 88 further including anadditional outer layer on a side of the core opposite the at least oneouter layer.
 90. The blade of any of the preceding claims 88-89 whereinthe interface geometry extends a discrete distance along the outerperimeter of the core, and wherein the interface geometry is repeated aninteger number of times around the perimeter of the core.
 91. The bladeof any of the preceding claims 88-90 wherein the first and second solidgeometries include respective first and second surface geometries,wherein the first surface geometry is parallel to the second surfacegeometry.
 92. The blade of any of the preceding claims 88-91 wherein thefirst and second solid geometries extend from the outer perimeter at anangle in a direction of rotation of the circular saw blade.
 93. Acircular saw blade comprising a core and at least one working elementsecured to a perimeter of the core, and wherein the perimeter of thecore includes an interface geometry securing the working element to theperimeter of the core where in the interface geometry includes first andsecond solid geometries complementary to at least one solid geometry onthe at least one working element.
 94. The blade of claim 93 wherein thefirst and second solid geometries are different from each other.
 95. Theblade of any of the preceding claims 93-94 wherein the first and secondsolid geometries include a longitudinally extending solid geometry and aconvex solid geometry.
 96. The blade of any of the preceding claims93-95 wherein the first and second solid geometries include at leastfirst and second sidewalls extending parallel to each other.
 97. Theblade of any of the preceding claims 93-96 further including at least athird solid geometry and wherein the first, second and third solidgeometries each include first, second and third respective sidewallsextending parallel to each other.
 98. The blade of any of the precedingclaims 93-97 wherein the interface geometry includes additional solidgeometries and wherein at least one of the solid geometries includes aplurality of surface geometries wherein at least two of the plurality ofsurface geometries are parallel to each other.
 99. A saw bladecomprising a core and first and second outer layers on opposite sides ofthe core and having respective openings in the first and second outerlayers opposite each other, and a pivotable securing element positionedadjacent the core with respective bosses extending into the openings inthe first and second outer layers.
 100. The saw blade of claim 99wherein the pivotal securing element has no through holes.
 101. The sawblade of any of the preceding claims 99-100 wherein the pivotal securingelement includes at least one planar element extending from the bosses.102. The saw blade of any of the preceding claims 99-101 wherein thepivotal securing element is configured to bias a working element intoengagement with a portion of the core.
 103. The saw blade of any of thepreceding claims wherein the pivotal securing element is configured tocontact the core.
 104. A saw blade comprising a core and at least oneouter layer secured to the core and at least one crossbar extending intoa surface of the core and contacting the at least one outer layer. 105.The saw blade of claim 104 wherein the at least one crossbar includes anodd number of crossbars in the core and secured between the at least oneouter layer and the core.
 106. The blade of any of the preceding claims104-105 further including a second outer layer on a side of the coreopposite the at least one outer layer.
 107. The blade of any of thepreceding claims 104-106 wherein the core and the at least one outerlayer are secured to one another through one or more of a fastener,adhesive and welding.
 108. A circular saw blade comprising a core and atleast one outer layer secured to a side of the core and where in thecore includes a first portion configured to be supported by and drivenby a driving element and a perimeter portion having an interfacegeometry along a portion of the perimeter portion and wherein theinterface geometry includes a plurality of different solid geometriesdistributed along the perimeter, and wherein the interface geometry isrepeated around the circumference of the core.
 109. The blade of claim108 wherein at least first and second of the plurality of differentsolid geometries are spaced apart from each other on the perimeter. 110.A circular saw blade comprising a core and at least one removablecarrier for a working component for the blade, wherein the core includesa first portion for being supported by a driving element and a perimeterportion having an interface geometry for engaging with the at least oneremovable carrier and wherein the interface geometry includes aplurality of different solid geometries distributed along the perimeter,and the removable carrier includes a carrier interface geometrycomplimentary to the core interface geometry.
 111. The blade of claim110 wherein the core interface geometry includes first and second solidgeometries each having at least one respective first and second surfacegeometry parallel to each other.
 112. The blade of any of the precedingclaims 110-111 wherein the core interface geometry is repeated aroundthe perimeter of the core, and a respective number of identicalremovable carriers engaged the respective interface geometries.
 113. Theblade of any of the preceding claims 110-112 further including first andsecond outer layers on opposite sides of the core and secured thereto.114. The blade of any of the preceding claims 110-113 wherein the bladeis configured to move in a first direction and wherein the interfacegeometry includes a plurality of surface geometries at an angle to theperimeter portion at least partly in the direction of rotation.
 115. Acircular saw blade comprising first and second layers secured to eachother and at least one carrier for a working component wherein thecarrier includes an interface geometry having a plurality of solidgeometries configured to extend between the first and second layers andwherein at least one of the solid geometries include a plurality ofsurface geometries extending parallel to each other.
 116. The blade ofclaim 115 further including a plurality of carriers for respectiveworking components with portions extending between the first and secondlayers, wherein each of the carriers include respective interfacegeometries.
 117. A saw blade core having a first opening and extendingoutward from the first opening to a perimeter portion, the corecomprising a drive mounting insert in the first opening and sandwichedbetween first and second outer layers secured to opposite sides of thecore.
 118. The saw blade core of claim 117 wherein the drive mountinginsert includes a perimeter flange for securing the drive mountinginsert between the first and second outer layers.
 119. The saw bladecore of any of the preceding claims 117-118 wherein the drive mountinginsert includes a spline surfaces.
 120. A method of assembling a planarworking tool assembly comprising positioning a pivotal locking elementadjacent an intermediate core, positioning a first outer layer adjacenta side of the core so that an opening in the outer layer fits over andaround a surface on the pivotal locking element, and positioning asecond outer layer adjacent a side of the core opposite the first outerlayer so that an opening in the second outer layer fits over and arounda second surface on the pivotal locking element, and securing the firstand second outer layers to the intermediate core while allowing thepivotal locking element to pivot relative to the core.
 121. The methodof claim 120 further including securing the first and second outerlayers to the core by one or more of fasteners, adhesive and welding.122. The method of any of the preceding claims 120-121 further includingpivoting the pivotal locking element into contact with the core. 123.The method of any of the preceding claims 120-122 further includingengaging a surface of a working element with a perimeter of the core andpivoting the pivotal locking element into contact with the surface ofthe working element.
 124. The method of claim 123 wherein pivoting ofthe pivotal locking element biases the working element toward the core.125. A method of assembling a working tool aligning an interfacegeometry of a working component with an interface geometry on aperimeter of a tool core where the interface geometry includes aplurality of solid geometries wherein at least first and second solidgeometries in the plurality of solid geometries are different from eachother, moving the working component toward the tool core so that theinterface geometry of the working component engages the perimeter of thetool core and securing the working component relative to the tool core.126. The method of claim 125 wherein the interface geometry includes aplurality of parallel surfaces, for example a scene inside view, andwherein the working component includes an interface geometrycomplimentary with the parallel surfaces so that moving the workingcomponent into engagement with the interface geometry of the perimeterengages a substantial portion of the working component interfacegeometry with the tool core interface geometry.
 127. The method of anyof the preceding claims 125-126 further including moving additionalworking components into engagement with the perimeter of the tool core.128. The method of any of the preceding claims 125-127 wherein moving aworking component includes moving a plurality of working components intoengagement with the perimeter of the tool core to surround the tool corewith an odd number of working components.
 129. The method of any of thepreceding claims 125-128 further including securing the workingcomponent relative to the core using a pivoting locking element. 130.The method of any of the preceding claims 125-129 further includingbiasing the working component into contact with a perimeter of the toolcore.